Soccer Movements & Positional Running

What types of runs and movements should soccer players make? Based on a players position on the field, how should they move or make runs to open up space for other players on the field? Below, we try to answer some of those key soccer questions:

Forwards

One forward should sit closer to the midfielders while the other tries to stretch the defense (standing next to the last player on the other team, usually the sweeper). With this alignment, the first forward can check back to the ball and then cut inside if he doesn't receive the ball.

The player with the ball (let's say the right back) can then play the ball inside to the first forward or to the forward who is posting up deeper into their opponents area. The post up forward can either try to receive the ball while he or she posts up or check towards the ball after the other forward makes the initial run back to the ball. The first forward then takes up the deeper position. Checking in and out and exchanging positions makes up the movement of the forwards.

The two forwards are aligned in a pair in the center of the field and the closest forward checks back to the ball at an angle, to the right or left. The reason you check back at an angle is to open up the space behind you for another player to run into and to give the passer the space or target to play the ball into. The key is also to use your body to protect the ball once you receivce it. Shield the ball from the defender. If he or she is marked then he or she can cut into the middle to receive the ball. They must keep running and rotate back to the post-up position.

It is really two runs: checking back to the ball, and then if that isn't on, making a run back into the middle. Meanwhile, the other, posting up forward, can check back to the ball, and the other forward spins to offer support.

Midfielders

With quick check back runs towards the ball midfielders can get open. These can be five or ten yard runs back to the ball, to the side or breaking into the attack. It could even just be bringing your marker into an area where you don't want the ball so you can run into the space where you want the ball. Walking away a few yards and then darting back to the ball.

Midfielders should also see the whole field, so they should have their body open to the field or half turned if they're in the middle of the soccer field. If you watch Iniesta or Xavi at Barcelona, they're constantly moving, checking back for the ball but with their heads up so they can see when a player is making a run. They keep the game very simple, giving the ball and getting it back when they have more space and time. If they're under pressure they lay the ball back and then get the ball again when they're better positioned to make a pass, dribble or shoot. Of course these two players are exceptional, with their ability to hold the ball under pressure and make the killer pass.

Midfielders should also look over their shoulders before they get the ball to see if a defender is approaching and or if they can turn. Get into the habit of looking around to see where your teammates are and whether there's pressure coming from a defender. Again, Xavi of Barcelona is constantly doing this, just watch him play and you'll see his head turn to look behind him before he gets the ball.

Back Door Cuts

If the defender that's marking you is too tight you can fake like your checking back to receive the ball and then make a run into the attack. The run is good for both forwards and midfielders. It's just a simple way to elude a defender.

When you're checking back to the ball, and you see that the defender is too close to you, marking you tightly, break into the space behind them. This is something that develops over time, and understanding between you and your teammates. They see what's happening and make the right pass. Make the initial run back to the ball a little slower, and then break behind the defense in a quick burst.

Defenders

Defensive movements are mostly in support and cover positions. NOt diving in or going for a tackle unless you have support. Pressuring the ball to force the attacker to get their head down so they can't see the field and then winning the ball straight away when the chance is there. The key though is keeping the attacker in front of you and make them play the ball backwards.

When on offense, a defender moves the ball around to relieve pressure, as in switching the ball into an open area of the field or playing the ball into a midfielder or forward and then getting it back. Defenders for the most part hold their positions in the back, however, in today's game, some of the most dangerous attackers are outside fulbacks like Dani Alves, Maicon or Sergio Ramos. These players are constantly running and often get into attack by overlapping or making delayed runs into the attack when the time is right. Just watch how much Alves pairs up with Messi for Barcelona as they attack down the line.

Overall, on defense you want your team to be compact and on offense you want to open up and expand. As a compact unit you can close down a certain area and win the ball and still have time to get back if the other team makes a long pass to the other side of the field. As a defender you want to run back towards your goal - re-group and defend as a unit, so you recover by first running towards your goal unless you have support and somone needs to pressure the ball.

Defensive Guidelines

1. It starts with one person pressuring the ball so the offensive player has to make a decision and can't get his or her head up.

2. Then a cover person who lets the pressuring person know if her or she should try to win the ball.

3. Next, is a organized compact unit letting those ahead of them know where players are around them and which direction they should steer them so the unit can win the ball.

4. Know your opponents and what they like to do. For instance, if you were lucky enough to be marking Arjen Robben you would force him outside and on to his weaker right foot.

5. Communicate and let your teammates know if a player is running in behind them, if they need to step up, if they need to put more pressure on a player, if they can go in and win the ball since they have cover.